After 22 years in Lombardy, Italy’s biggest event dedicated exclusively to American cars is moving to a new home. The 2026 edition will take place at Tiare Shopping in Villesse (Gorizia – Italy) on the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Alongside it, the inaugural edition of ‘Mad in Italy’ will celebrate Italy’s automotive heritage, welcoming Italian-built cars and motorcycles produced up to 1999
Italy’s largest event dedicated exclusively to American automobiles is changing location and heading to Friuli Venezia Giulia. We’re talking about CRUISIN’ RODEO, the historic gathering that has brought together enthusiasts of American four-wheelers for the past 23 years. After nearly a quarter of a century in Lombardy, the stars-and-stripes car meet is relocating to Tiare Shopping in Villesse (Gorizia – Italy), which will host the event on July 4, 2026.
The choice of date is no coincidence—and not only because it marks the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. It was on July 4, 2004, at the Cowboy Guest Ranch in Voghera (Pavia), that the very first edition of the event took place. Organized by the American-car magazine Cruisin’ Life, the gathering was created to give its readers a chance to meet, reconnect, and build a true community.
A lot of fuel has flowed through carburetors since then. Over the years, CRUISIN’ RODEO has grown into one of Italy’s premier red, white, and blue automotive events and one of the most eagerly anticipated gatherings for petrolheads—especially those whose hearts beat to the rumble of a V8. In reality, Villesse represents something of a homecoming: in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rodeo was exceptionally held at Tiare Shopping, marking the only edition ever staged outside Lombardy—until now.
A new chapter now begins for CRUISIN’ RODEO, which is preparing to welcome American vehicles of every make and era to its new venue: powerful muscle cars and pony cars, imposing pickup trucks and station wagons, luxurious sedans and convertibles, spectacular hot rods, and custom cars. Admission is free for both visitors and participants. Every registered crew will receive a Welcome Bag, while the most outstanding vehicles will be honored during the awards ceremony at 6:00 PM, judged by the editorial team of Cruisin’ Life.
The event opens at 2:00 PM and runs until 9:00 PM. Throughout the afternoon, visitors will enjoy a full entertainment program featuring the Pin-Up Parade, the Exhaust Check competition—where the best engine soundtrack will be crowned—and the Flag Experience, an introductory American football clinic organized by Flag Academy Trieste. The evening continues with a live performance by Great Balls of Fire, bringing rock and rockabilly classics to the stage, before concluding with a Burlesque Show by Lady BB.
Running alongside the 23rd CRUISIN’ RODEO, in the adjacent exhibition area, will be the inaugural edition of MAD IN ITALY, a brand-new gathering celebrating Italy’s legendary automotive tradition. The event is open to all Italian-built vehicles produced up to 1999, whether on two, three, or four wheels. Visitors can expect everything from classic cars and youngtimers to vintage motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and even the ever-popular Ape utility vehicles. The aim is to celebrate the rich motoring culture of Italy in all its forms while creating an ideal bridge between Italy and the United States—and, above all, between two very different yet equally fascinating ways of expressing a passion for engines.
The full CRUISIN’ RODEO program—organized by Cruisin’ Life in collaboration with the Gorizia-based club Lowered Garage—is available here: https://www.cruisinlife.it/cruisin-rodeo/programma
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